Sociological explanation of the behavior of Sepahan football fans

Golara Kalatian ¹ (PhD student in Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan)branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.)
Rasool Nazari ² (Associate professor Faculty of Sport Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Esfahan, Iran.)
کاظم قجاوند ³ (Department of Social Work, Khomeini Shahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khomeini Shahr, Isfahan, Iran)

Submited date : 2024-03-30 accepted date : 2024-04-04

Keywords: un adapted behavior, football fans, fan abuse, Sepahan club,

Abstract :

Objective: The society's perception of football fans is very different, some fans consider it a positive force for society and individuals, and others consider it a negative influence, so the purpose of this research is to provide a model of the behavior of Sepahan fans with a sociological approach. Research method: The current research was qualitative and based on foundation data theorizing. A semi-structured interview method was used to collect data. Data analysis was done by Charms coding method. The research sample was used as a combination of snowball sampling and theoretical sampling based on the results of the collected data. The participants were Sepahan football team fans, members of the fans association, sports reporters, a special unit stationed at the stadium, Sepahan club CEO, members of the academic staff of the university who follow football. A total of 22 interviews were conducted, and then the data were initially coded, central, and categorized in the MAXQDA2020 software. Research findings: In this research, 7 factors affecting the behavior of Sepahan team fans were identified. Based on the results of coding, non-adapted behavior, psychological background, social background of emotions, abuse of media, corruption in football, legitimacy and safety background and equipment have an effect on fans' behavior from a sociological perspective. Conclusion: The results of this study have applications in order to improve the behavior of fans and improve the culture of fans for those in charge of organizing competitions.

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